resonance
REZ-uh-nunss
/ˈrɛzənəns/
The condition in a circuit or system where inductive and capacitive reactances cancel out, maximizing current response at a specific frequency.
Describes sharp amplification occurring at a system's natural oscillatory frequency.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'resonantia', meaning echo or re-sounding. Originally applied to acoustic vibrations, early electricians adopted it because electrical charge oscillations mirrored sound waves.
Word relationships
- oscillation peak: Oscillation peak refers to maximum amplitude, whereas resonance is the physical state producing that peak.
- dampening: Dampening suppresses energy oscillations, suppressing resonance.
Commonly confused with
- reverberation: Reverberation refers to echoing sound persistence, whereas resonance is energy amplification at natural frequencies.
Word family
- resonate (verb): To exhibit or produce resonance.
- resonant (adjective): Relating to or exhibiting resonance.
Collocations
- resonant frequency
- electrical resonance
- magnetic resonance
- sharp resonance
Example sentences
- "Tuning a radio involves adjusting the circuit to achieve resonance with the target station's broadcast frequency." Radio receiver engineering
- "Nuclear magnetic resonance techniques exploit quantum energy transitions in atomic nuclei." Quantum physics paper
Memory hook
RESONANCE RE-SOUNDS at the perfect frequency. Maximum vibration at matching natural frequency.
When not to use
Avoid using purely in emotional or literary contexts when writing technical physics papers.
Fun facts
- Resonance is why wireless power transfers can jump across air gaps efficiently when both coils are tuned to the exact same frequency.
Explore more words
resonate, resistance, Oscillation, amplitude, acoustic, reverberate
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